“What we need is an agreement that’s ambitious — because that’s what the scale of the challenge demands. We need an inclusive agreement — because every country has to play its part. And we need an agreement that’s flexible — because different nations have different needs.”

Analysis:

@BarackObama speech so different from Copenhagen. Calling for hope over cynicism. Recognizing differences and need to support others #cop21

“Climate change is a global challenge at which no country can stand on their own. Developed and developing countries have different historical responsibilities for climate change, and different development needs and capabilities. Just like in a car race: it would be neither reasonable nor fair to apply the same speed requirements to cars which have run far ahead and those which have only just left the starting point.”

Xi Jinping said his country was making “unceasing efforts” in the fight against climate change.

Analysis:

China is not the same country as it was six years ago in Copenhagen. Coal consumption, the biggest driver of emissions, is declining whilst the country’s position has shifted through bilateral statements made with the US and France. The statement basically wrapped up China’s announcements so far this year including it’s INDC and $3.1bn USD south cooporation finance.

As Xi Jinping took podium in Paris, Beijing air pollution reached “beyond index”/”crazy bad” – as if to show why China is moving beyond coal — Lauri Myllyvirta (@laurimyllyvirta) November 30, 2015

Angela Merkel

Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel has been making efforts this year to herd world leaders into agreeing to decarbonisation – in a significant win for Merkel she got G20 leaders to agree to stopping emissions from burning fossil fuels by the end of the century. On the home front, Germany has a high proportion of coal in its energy mix – but apparently is mulling a lignite phase out. Merkel supports a global carbon trading system.

Vladimir Putin

Not necessarily seen as a leader on climate change, there are question marks over whether the Russian PM believes the evidence it is happening. But he seemed to toe the line in his remarks at the Paris talks.

What he’s said at COP21

Putin: ‘Climate change has become one of the gravest challenges humanity is facing’ #COP21 — Energydesk (@Energydesk) November 30, 2015

President Putin says Russia has reduced carbon intensity of economy by a third this century — James Murray (@James_BG) November 30, 2015

What he said before

“The issues that affect the future of all people include the challenge of global climate change. It is in our interest to make the U.N. Climate Change Conference to be held in December in Paris a success.”

Analysis:

Putin avoids geopolitics in speech at #COP21 – another hopeful sign of low likelihood that talks will be derailed by external events

“The prosperous still have a strong carbon footprint and the world’s billions, while countries at the bottom of the development ladder are seeking space to grow. So the choices are not easy… Democratic India must grow rapidly to meet the aspirations of 1.25 billion people – 300 million of whom are without access to energy. We are determined to do so, guided by an ancient belief that people and planet are inseparable, that human well being and nature are indivisible.”

The principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities must remain the bedrock of our collective enterprise: PM Modi #COP21

“Climate change is a major global challenge but it is not of our making. It is the result of global warming that came from prosperity and progress of an industrial age powered by fossil fuel.”

Analysis: There wasn’t a huge amount of instant analysis – but Modi’s speech (which followed an earlier address to a separate forum on the wonders of Solar) is perhaps the clearest indication of the battle ahead. Carbon space, common and differentiated responsibilities and clean finance. Modi held out the olive branch of a clean future for India – but he’ll negotiate hard.

What he said before:“Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing our world. And it is not just a threat to the environment. It is also a threat to our national security, to global security, to poverty eradication and to economic prosperity.”

Analysis:

Paris #COP21. Passionate Cameron speech repeatedly asks “what’s too difficult” for us to tackle climate change. Could it be George Osborne?